The Australian Business Womens network conducted some research recently to gather some insights into 'why did you start your business?' According to Suzy Dafnis who heads the group:
"What I have noticed is that many women leave the corporate world, working for someone else, and start their own business for similar reasons. These reasons include:
- Freedom to choose work hours and work location
- Working around raising children
- Being your own boss
- Setting your own salary
- Utilising your creativity to create something new
- And of course - financial freedom
Recently I was challenged by a male entrepreneur (it was just after our listing in BRW Fast 100; only three women made the list - we were one) he said “Let's face it women don't set out to create an organization – they tend to work in 'cottage' businesses to give them more life style choices - Women don't start real businesses!”
Needless to say that created some lively discussion with me. But looking at the results of this survey he does in fact appear to have a point – and is there anything wrong with that.
What would men's reasons for starting their businesses be, perhaps:
- Making a fortune,
- Being an industry luminary'
- Creating an institution,
- Creating a legacy for family heirs
- Bossing other people around…
As a speaker I get to meet very many and various groups of people – many of which are women's groups. I consistently am asked 'how do I create a bigger business'. Many have designed their businesses to suit their life styles – or are turning a hobby into a business. Simply they were never meant to be scaled.
We have some amazing female entrepreneurs in Australia (many I have had the privilege to get to know) Suzy Dafnis being one, Diana Willams of Fernwood, Janine Allis of Boost Juice, Kristina Karlsson of Kikki K. But as I did a straw poll around the office spontaneously they struggled to name many more… though there are many - as evidenced by the Telstra Business Womens Awards.
So I pose the question – does the size of the game matter? If we play a small game – and deliver upon it, fantastic. But what if we dared to create a big game – a massive game and it drove us relentlessly, what difference could we make. We can influence our communities – the next generation of young women will have more role models?
I'm driven to change the gifting experience in Australia forever… and I will know I have achieved this if by 2015 2 million people have had a RedBalloon experience. Too deliver on this I must have a significant organization to achieve, it people who all share the purpose.
I encourage you to dare to dream big – and then to relentlessly, with a never ever give up attitude – implement.
I'd appreciate your thoughts on this one..
3 Comments
Hi Naomi! I have always wanted to start my own business and seeing your work/life balance in person definitely made me realized that I can go as big as I like! And still have beautiful kids like yours
Probably wouldn't mind being an industry luminary though
Dear Naomi,
I am often challenged by playing a big game. But - that is ALL that I want to do and to encourage others to do. I truly believe we all have a big game in us - the ability to make a huge difference, to share our brilliance, knowledge, skills and to live magnificent lives. Do I sound overly optimistic?
I am personally (as you know) passionate about supporting women. My work right now is to support women in small business to grow their business. I do work tirelessly at this... because I'm very passionate about it and because I started my business with no qualifications - but a desire to do something worthwhile with my life.
I have had the great fortune to have had great success in business, as you have Naomi... and I feel that there really is nothing special about either of us or the other women that you mentioned OTHER THAN THAT WE ARE WILLING TO DESIGN A BIG GAME AND THEN TO PLAY IT 150%.
Every day I want to feel alive and challenged and to know that I'm growing and learning. Thanks for your willingness to be a role model and to raise other women around you.
Best wishes, Suzi Dafnis - National General Manager, Australian Businesswomen's Network and author of http://www.herbusinessblog.com
I started my business (for the second time) due to frustration of wanting to express myself. I found challenge after challenge scary, intimidating but also a hurdle I wasn't going to let beat me. I find I am a better person in so many ways by having my own business. I meet the most amazing people who inspire me, stimulate me and yes, I find the dream just gets bigger and bigger. The most important thing is surrounding myself with good people. Without them the big dream can't happen.
Here are a couple of women who are inspiring me and hope you find them inspiring too! http://www.shaynnablaze.com/inspiration